My rants about concealed carry holsters. What works, what doesn't and why.

Finding that "perfect" concealed carry holster is almost a never ending quest for individuals who carry concealed. Most people go through a series of holsters in a trial and error process trying to find the perfect combination of comfort and concealment.

In most cases, handgun owners end up with the proverbial "box of holsters" that end up sitting around without being used.

Over the last 5 years, the concept of adding a laser sighting device to a pistol has transitioned from a sort of gimmick to a mainstream idea that is embraced by a number of gun manufacturers and laser sighting companies. This concept is fairly simple…mount a laser pointer (of sorts) to the pistol, and then “sight” it in so the pistol shoots where the laser is pointed.

These days there are basically 4 different types of pistol mounted lasers. Let’s look at each and then discuss the challenges of finding a holster that will fit your preferred handgun/laser combo:

#1 - Laser grips – This style of laser is a grip that features an integrated laser. The grip has a built in pressure pad so the laser is activated when the grip is squeezed. This style was made popular by a company called Crimson Trace and they still dominate the market for this style. This style can be a factory option where a pistol manufacturer offers a pistol model with the grips attached from the factory, or they can be an after market add-on.

Crimson Trace Lasergrips – Glock 26

#2 – Trigger guard lasers – This style features an add-on to the trigger guard with a laser that emits from the front of the trigger guard. The trigger guard style is very popular, especially in situations where the pistol won’t accept aftermarket grips or laser grips.The trigger guard models can also be a factory option on some brands or an after market add-on. The trigger guard laser example below is a Ruger LC9 with a factory option LaserMax CenterFire added.

Ruger LC9 with LaserMax CenterFire[/caption]

#3 – Integrated lasers – This type of laser is manufactured into the frame of the weapon so it’s always available. While this is a relatively new concept, manufacturers like S&W have seen excellent success with models such as the S&W Bodyguard series in .38 and .380. In the case of the Bodyguard series, it features an InSight laser built into the weapon frame.

#4 – Picatinny mounted (universal) laser – This style of laser only works on hand guns with a picatinny or light rail under the frame of the barrel. The laser attaches to the picatinny rail and most are activated using a pressure pad or on/off switch. While this style was the norm a few years ago, it’s popularity has waned in favor of the more modern styles above. These are commonly called “universal” lasers as they will fit most any handgun with the light rail.

Universal laser – Glock 19

The trick isn’t choosing a laser or handgun/laser combo. The trick is locating a holster that will fit the pistol and laser at the same time so here’s some information that might help:

Don Hume – We receive a number of questions about the Don Hume line of holsters as it relates to laser mounted handguns. Unfortunately, Don Hume doesn’t specifically produce any holsters that are made to fit a pistol/laser combination with 1 exception: Certain integrated laser models. Don Hume does make several holster models deisgned to fit both the S&W Bodyguard series in .380 and .38 with the integrated laser. Aside from those 2 models, Don Hume doesn’t offer any options for handguns with mounted lasers.

MTR Custom – Now MTR Custom holster is a different beast altogether as they offer a large number of options for handguns carrying a laser. While there are far too many models to list here, have a look at the MTR weapon list under each holster and you’ll see all the different options. Even if your specific weapon/laser combination isn’t listed, it’s probably worth either calling or emailing us about it as MTR is contstantly adding new pistol/laser combinations, Here’s a link to all the MTR holster models we curently offer: MTR Custom Holsters.

Have questions about a holster to fit a light or laser combination? Give us a call and we’ll do our best to help.

The JIT slide and H715M W/C have been the most requested models for the new 42. Currently Hume has very few of these new Glock 42 holster models ready to ship so the average turnaround time will be 30 to 90 days.

Finding the right holster for your LC9 can be a challenge, especially when it"s got the factory option LaserMax Centerfire laser or the Crimson Trace Laserguard mounted underneath the barrel. Luckily, we carry some holster options that will work for all three of those pistols and/or laser combinations. Have a look and see if we can help you find a holster for your Ruger LC9.

If you happen to be giving some thought to taking a concealed carry class, I’d suggest doing a bit of research first. Start by making sure that the class being taught completely meets the state requirements. Otherwise, what happened to Mr. John Ambrose at a Bass Pro Shops in Illinois could also happen to you.

The entire article is listed below with links to the actual source. Have a quick read and then let’s talk about how this could have been avoided.

Bass Pro Shops Sued Over ‘Worthless’ Concealed Carry Class

Joliet man says the Bolingbrook store falsely advertised a course that ended up not meeting state requirements. The instructor is no longer permitted to teach concealed carry classes.

BOLINGBROOK, IL — A Joliet man is suing Bass Pro Shops after the Bolingbrook sporting goods store allegedly advertised a concealed carry training course taught by a firearms instructor who has since been decertified. John P. Ambrose accuses the store of falsely advertising a “worthless class” that did not meet the 16 hours of training required to obtain a concealed carry license in Illinois, according to Sun-Times Media.

The suit comes after the Illinois State Police on April 1 announced that a Bolingbrook instructor was decertified for allegedly failing to train applicants properly. Ambrose said he took a course offered by Bolingbrook-based Security Guard College and instructor James Andel, who at the time was certified to teach concealed carry training courses. Ambrose said he took the class after seeing an ad for it at the Bass Pro Shops in Bolingbrook last October, the Sun-Times reported.

The Joliet resident claims that Andel told him the eight-hour class satisfied the state’s concealed carry requirements because it included supplemental online education and time at a shooting range, according to the lawsuit. Ambrose said he got a letter from state police on March 31 saying his application for a concealed carry permit was denied because he did not meet the required 16 hours of training. Click here to read the Sun-Times Media article.

Andel is one of 13 instructors who are no longer approved to teach concealed carry training courses. State police said the instructors were banned from teaching the classes amid complaints regarding instructors who were allegedly improperly training students and/or awarding certificates to students who had not completed the 16 hours of training.

State police said 327 applicants will have their requests for a concealed carry license denied because they took Andel’s course. The applicants will have the opportunity to become re-trained without incurring another $150 application fee, and will be allowed to appeal the denial by submitting a written petition through the ISP’s administrative review process, police said last week.

So how could this have been avoided?

#1 – Learn and understand the CCW license requirements – As a potential student, take the time to learn exactly what the CCW license requirements are for your particular state. While most CCW instructors are honest people with integrity, there are always those like the ones above who will cut corners in the name of profit. It’s your responsibility to make sure that you understand the requirements. Here’s a great place to get started understanding those requirements: http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_information.html. Click on the state you reside in, and you’ll be taken to information about that state’s CCW licensing program.

#2 – Check out the instructors – Most instructors who are lawfully licensed to teach CCW will have no problem either discussing their credentials and/or showing you references to their teaching credentials and state certificates. I’d suggest being a little concerned about any instructor who doesn’t doesn’t or won’t provide proof of certification. Most certification is handled at the state level as it’s state has it’s own certification standards for instructors.

#3 – Check out references – Most reputable instructors are more than happy to proved references to happy customers who have taken their class. Follow-up and call those people to hear their opinions.

#4 – Interview the instructor – Most legitimate instructors are happy to answer a few questions about the class and how it works. Always as about the class length and the amount of time involved. Be wary of any references to “getting you out early” or anything along those lines.

Here’s why all that matters:

In the event that you do obtain a CCW permit and ever have to use a weapon to protect yourself or another, there’s a very good chance that someone (either law enforcement or an attorney) will look into your credentials to verify that you are or were legitimately licensed at the time of the incident. If a lawsuit is involved, there’s a very good chance that your training records, certification, tests, and anything else related to the class will be subpoenaed for court.

And here’s the final question to consider when evaluating a potential instructor: would you want this person testifying on your behalf in court? If you can’t answer yes, then find another instructor with either better credentials, better experience, or more training experience.

Here are a few other resources and tips on choosing the right CCW instructor:

Now that concealed carry has become more mainstream in the US, statistics indicate that the number of women applying for concealed carry permits is on the rise. For example:

With Illinois recently passing a CCW law, the Illinois State Police are reporting that almost 12% of those concealed carry applications coming in state are from women. As of the end of March, just over 7500 Illinois permits were issued to women.

The latest Gallup poll indicates that the number of women who own guns rose 23% last year, with the historical average running closer to 12% each year.

I’d expect, and most firearms experts would probably agree, that this number will only continue to increase year over year.

Unfortunately, the holster industry as a whole has yet to “catch up” to the trend as there really aren’t very many gun holsters or CCW holsters that specifically geared towards women. Most women are forced to either buy holsters made for men or resort to some form of off-body carry (CCW purses, etc.) My wife’s only real complaint about CCW purses, is the fact that nice ones cost about 3 to 4 times what a nice holster costs. The model my wife really wants is close to $275!

Here’s a great infographic that charts the rise of women carrying concealed weapons:

Here's a nice post from one of our customers about the Don Hume H715M W/C holster he bought from us for his S&W J frame model 642 with a crimson trace grip. Lots of people wonder if the CT grips will work with a holster like this. The truth is, it's kind of hit or miss. But, in this case, it seems to fit and work well for him.

Remington Arms Company, LLC (“Remington”) is voluntarily recalling Remington Model 700™ and Model Seven™ rifles which were manufactured from May 1, 2006 through April 9, 2014 and which have an X-Mark Pro® (“XMP®”) trigger. All product manufactured after April 9, 2014 is not subject to recall.

Senior Remington engineers determined that some Model 700 and Model Seven rifles with XMP triggers could, under certain circumstances, unintentionally discharge. IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY, THESE PRODUCTS ARE BEING RECALLED.

Remington’s investigation determined that some XMP triggers might have excess bonding agent used in the assembly process, which could cause an unintentional discharge. Therefore, Remington is recalling ALL affected products to fully inspect and clean the XMP triggers with a specialized process. Remington has advised customers to immediately cease use of recalled rifles and return them to Remington free of charge. The rifles will be inspected, specialty cleaned, tested, and returned as soon as possible. Do not attempt to diagnose or repair recalled rifles. Remington established a dedicated website and toll-free hotline to help consumers determine whether their Model 700 or Model Seven rifle(s) are subject to recall: